Need To Revamp Partnership Accord Between Algeria And European Union

The National Building Movement “Al Bina”, called on the new Algerian authorities to evaluate the results of the partnership agreement between Algeria and the European Union, which has approached 15 years, and to reassess its provisions in a way that pushes towards establishing a true partnership based on the principle of observing mutual interests in a manner that restores balance in Algerian-European relations, and achieves fair and equal sharing for economic benefits between all parties, starting with the lifting of discriminatory trade barriers in the agreement, which established economic dependence at the expense of national development, and in this regard the movement hailed the Algerian state’s decision to review this agreement as well as other trade cooperation accords.

In a post by its President Abdelkader Bengrina on its Facebook page, “Al-Bina” movement expressed its support for moving toward a decision to postpone the lifting of the remaining fees and taxes between the European Union and Algeria, and to freeze the project to establish a free trade zone with the European Union until the agreement is reviewed to achieve strategic economic and commercial interests of Algeria.

The movement also insisted on the importance of putting in place preventive measures for the performance of local production and to protect the national economy, by setting up a plan to reduce the import bill, in all current agreements or projects of future agreements in order to allow the promotion of the national product and allow Algeria to be an effective partner and a strong competitor on an equal footing with any foreign party.

Mr. Bengrina warned that more care should be taken to give preference to local products over imported products, especially in light of the availability of quality national products and creativity, and to give opportunities to accompany Algerian companies in entering foreign markets, in order to enhance the role of the local product in increasing economic growth rates.

“Al-Bina” movement recommended resorting to international experience and seeking the assistance of international offices specialized in renegotiating such agreements in a way that protects Algeria’s vital interests and is mutually beneficial within the framework of the win-win rule.

Mr Bengrina further stressed the need to mobilize and harness the Algerian diplomatic apparatus to revitalize the national economy and achieve development by promoting national products abroad, searching for new markets and attracting foreign investments.

The former presidential candidate underlined that the conditions for transportation and movement of people should be reconsidered and the procedures for obtaining (Schengen) visas be eased to alleviate the nagging problem of illegal immigration and its adverse repercussions on the common security of the Mediterranean countries.